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| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
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The iHeart Layoffs Just Keep Coming
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| This week, while a contingent of prominent iHeart execs are attending the Cannes Lions festivities in the South of France, back home the company's latest massive round of layoffs continues... and many more names of displaced longtime employees have sadly surfaced. The list is updating at RAMP247.com.
• Doc Reno, 24 years in afternoon drive at WBGG (BIG 105.9)/Miami. He can be contacted at docreno@gmail.com.
• Jon Jeffries: Executive Producer, iHeart Sports Radio Network, (in charge of 51 markets). Previous stops include anchoring for Fox Sports, and nationally for Sporting News Radio, and locally in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix. He can be contacted at jonjeffriesvoiceoverartist.com or 323-219-9671.
• Tough day in the now too damn quiet hallways of 99.1 KGGI/Riverside, as RAMP has confirmed the departures of midday talent Evelyn Erives, afternoon host/Promotions Director Garrison King and night talent, Nick Nack. Erives has been with the station for 25 years; the first 20 in mornings and the past four in middays. She also served as Public Service Director for the market and PD of KMYT & KTMQ/Temecula, among other roles. Erives can be reached at evelynerives@gmail.com; contact King at garrisonking@outlook.com; and Mr. Nack at booknicknack@gmail.com.
• Steve Allan -- Based in Sussex, NJ since late 2013. Most recently PD of WSUS, WNNJ, & WHCY/Sussex; WTRY-FM, WKKF-FM, & WRVE-HD-2/Albany, NY; and WBWZ, WCTW, WPKF, & WZCR/Poughkeepsie, NY. Allan also did afternoons on WSUS, and was Director Of Talent Content for the AC Format. Allan earlier worked at WBMX/Boston. He can be reached at 774-266-0385 or sba15@aol.com.
• Julie Dunn -- 18.5 years at iHeart. Program Director of seven stations, including WDVI/Rochester NY, and WBBS & WYYY (Y94)/Syracuse, NY. She was also on-air at WDVI & WYYY. Dunn is reachable at juliedunn6685@gmail.com.
• Yesterday when we reported the departure of "Flyin' Brian" Jameson from mornings WBTT (105.5 The Beat)/Fort Myers after 25 years, we neglected to mention that Boston listeners also lost the talents of "Jameson," who was tracking nights on Classic Rock sister 100.7 WZLX.
• Michael Blaze is out as PD/afternoon host on Classic Rock WRFQ (Q104.5)/Charleston, SC after 27 years. Read his departure post on Facebook.
• Radio Insight reports "Captain Tony" McGinty exits as Program Director and morning co-host at Hot AC WKDD/Akron, OH. In Atlantic City, the cluster has released two heritage morning shows -- Joe Borsello and Scott Reilly exit the JoJo & Scotty Morning Show on Mainstream Rock 100.7 WZXL after 17 years, while across the hall, Diane Mitchell and Mike Kelso are gone from Top 40 95.1 WAYV.
• Dan Stansbury appears to have vanished from WRQK (Rock 106.9)/Canton, OH after nearly 12 years, as The Stansbury Show page has been removed. Interestingly, now former WKDD morning host Tony McGinty co-hosted The Stansbury Show a few years back.
• We understand that nearly all programming employees in Savannah and Brunswick, GA are gone, including Scott Ryfun, VP of Programming for South Georgia and morning host on News-Talk 98.7 WGIG.
• And in Des Moines, IA, Sports-Talk KXNO-AM/FM has terminated its morning and afternoon shows, the later of which was co-hosted by now former PD Sean Roberts. Across the hall, Emery Songer exits as midday host on News-Talk duo WHO-AM/Des Moines and 600 WMT/Cedar Rapids.
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Sadly, The List Continues...
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| Country Aircheck reports the following departures: Denise Plante, a 30-year Emmy Award-winning Denver media pro and the first and only female inducted into the Colorado Broadcasting Hall Of Fame, exits middays on KWBL (106.7 The Bull) after eight years. Earlier Mile High stops include KOSI, KALC and KIMN. Plante still hosts Great Day Colorado live weekdays at 9am on CW2/Fox31. Reach her at Deniseplantetv@gmail.com.
• Bob Delmont, midday talent on WPOC/Baltimore for 27 years. He also hosted 6am-noon on most of iHeart’s Classic Country stations. Reach him at Bobdelmontvo@gmail.com.
• Pat Leuck and Dani Lynn Howe exit mornings on WLLR/Quad Cities. Howe also handled afternoons on KKSY/Cedar Rapids. Contact her at danielehowe@hotmail.com.
• Kathi "Larson" Yeager, evening personality for all of iHeart's Classic Country stations nationwide; reach her at KathiYeager.ky@gmail.com.
• Dave DeVille, SVP of Programming for iHeart Eau Claire, WI and Rochester, MN. Find him at info@davedeville.com.
• Frankie D, longtime afternoon talent and former APD of KTEX/McAllen-Brownsville, TX.
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| • We also have an update on Chris Davis (left), 39-year veteran of WNCI/Columbus and tracker of numerous other stations by his longtime friend and former colleague Steve Wall, VP of Radio & Library Services for Alpha Libraries and SourceAudio. "I still remember the day in 1987 when Bill Richards called and asked if he could hire Chris away from me. Chris was doing nights for me at KSKG (99KG)/Salina, KS, and Bill wanted him for nights at WNCI," Wall tells RAMP. "Chris took the opportunity, and the rest is radio history. He's spent most of his career in afternoon drive and is one of the truly great voices in our business."
"Sadly, Chris wasn't alone," Wall said. "So many talented, dedicated radio professionals lost their jobs this week, we'd like to help -- we're offering complimentary access to production tools through Alpha Libraries to help you get back on your feet. Whether you're producing an aircheck demo, creating commercial production for freelance clients, or continuing to serve advertisers who value your work, we want to make sure you have the resources you need while you search for your next opportunity." Check out Alpha Libraries for Radio demos and endorsements HERE, and contact Steve Wall at steve@sourceaudio.com.
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This list is as current as we have confirmed until now. However, if you or a colleague has been similarly downsized during this latest round of restructuring and would like your contact info shared with your next potential employer, please email Kevin@RAMP247.com.
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| • Saga's Hampton Roads Media Group announced that longtime team member Sonja Morrell is stepping up from nights to middays on Classic Rock WAFX (106.9 The Fox)/Norfolk. She will succeed market legend Mike Arlo (left), who recently passed away after a brief illness.
A familiar voice to listeners for 30 years, Morrell (right) is no stranger to the midday shift. Her first job at Hampton Roads Media Group was middays on sister station WNOR (FM99) from 1996 to 2009. She moved over to The Fox airstaff in 2009, doing various shifts before landing in nights. In her not-so-spare time Morrell also the Marketing Director for Hampton Roads Media Group.
"No one can replace Arlo, but Sonja is uniquely qualified to continue the tradition he built," said Mike Beck, Director of Content for Hampton Roads Media Group. "She has been Arlo’s backup for decades, and the listeners know her well. Sonja will honor Arlo's legacy while bringing her own talents and personality to middays. Arlo and Sonja were great friends, and I'm sure he's giving two thumbs up for this move."
Sean Hood, News Director for Rumble in the Morning on WNOR is now also handling nights on WAFX.
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| • The Baltimore Ravens announced the hire of Kyle Youmans as the new "Voice of the Ravens" for the team's in-season radio and preseason TV broadcasts. Youmans will also assume a leading role in all Ravens-owned and operated programming, including video, radio and podcast content. He will also be a regular contributor for various Hearst-owned programming on WBAL NewsRadio, WIYY (98Rock) and WBAL-TV 11.
Hearst Baltimore President & GM Dan Joerres said, "As the official broadcast partners of the Baltimore Ravens, WBAL-TV 11, 98 Rock and WBAL NewsRadio are thrilled to welcome Kyle Youmans as the next 'Voice of the Ravens.' Kyle brings energy, passion and excitement to the broadcast booth while continuing the tradition of excellence established by his predecessor, Gerry Sandusky. We are confident our listeners and viewers will enthusiastically embrace Kyle, and we look forward to his voice becoming an integral part of the Ravens' experience for years to come."
Youmans becomes only third radio play-by-play announcer in the franchise's 31-year history, following Gerry Sandusky (2006-25), who retired this past April, and Scott Garceau (1996-2005).
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SXM Launches Clive Davis Channel
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| SiriusXM is honoring the life and legacy of legendary music executive Clive Davis with the launch of The Clive Davis Channel, available through Thursday, July 2 on Channel 300 and on the SiriusXM app.
The channel celebrates the visionary whose unparalleled career helped shape the soundtrack of generations. Hear the music and stories behind iconic artists Davis championed, including Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Brooks & Dunn, and hundreds more. From pop and rock to R&B and country, his influence can be heard across virtually every genre.
The Clive Davis Channel will also be airing stories from Clive himself, about key moments in his career spanning six decades, along with highlights from some of music’s greatest artists and songs. Stories from Clive include how he first heard Whitney Houston, envisioned greatness for Bruce Springsteen, found Janis Joplin's voice to be life changing, and so much more and it can all be heard exclusively on the SiriusXM channel.
"Few people have shaped the sound of modern music the way Clive Davis has," said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM's President & Chief Content Officer. "His extraordinary vision, unwavering belief in artists, and unparalleled ability to discover and nurture talent have left a true mark on generations of musicians and fans alike. We are proud to honor Clive with The Clive Davis Channel, giving listeners an opportunity to celebrate his remarkable legacy through the artists, songs, and stories that define one of the most influential careers in music history."
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Executive Action At Soundmouse
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| David McIninch has been named General Manager of Soundmouse, effective June 29. In this new role, McIninch will oversee Soundmouse's global operations as the leading music cue sheet reporting and monitoring provider for the broadcast and entertainment production industries. Soundmouse, which was recently acquired by BMI, will continue to operate as an independent entity.
McIninch will be based in New York City and report to BMI President & COO Todd Horvath, who said, "I'm excited to welcome David to Soundmouse as its dedicated GM to oversee its client relationships and innovation strategy. Dave is a seasoned leader who will work closely with the Soundmouse team across their offices in London, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria and Greece, to build on their success and accelerate the company's growth and trajectory."
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| McIninch joins Soundmouse from Transit Technologies, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer. Prior to Transit Technologies, McIninch was the SVP & GM of Fiserv. Among his earlier senior executive roles, McIninch spent nearly ten years at ADP, overseeing marketing strategy and international product management.
"I'm thrilled to lead Soundmouse during this exciting time of opportunity," said McIninch. "The company has established itself as a technology leader and premier service provider in the thriving cue sheet space, and I look forward to working with the team to continue to innovate and even better serve our stakeholders."
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Broadway Returns To NY's Bryant Park
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| iHeartMedia AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM)/New York and iHeartRadio Broadway announced the return of "106.7 LITE FM's Broadway in Bryant Park," the city's popular free lunchtime theater series, celebrating its 26th anniversary this summer. The annual series, hosted by LITE FM personalities, runs every Thursday from July 23 through August 13, bringing Broadway's biggest hits to Bryant Park's stage.
"For 26 years, Broadway in Bryant Park has united theater fans from across the city and beyond for one of New York's most iconic summer traditions," said Jill Kempton, PD of 106.7 LITE FM. "Each year, these performances bring the energy and artistry of Broadway into the heart of Midtown, and we're excited to welcome audiences back for another incredible season."
Here is this year's exciting schedule: July 23: Hosted by Delilah -- & Juliet • Hadestown • Just in Time • Maybe Happy Ending • Moulin Rouge! The Musical • The Lost Boys.
July 30: Hosted by Cubby & Christine -- Aladdin • Chicago • SIX • The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee • Titanique • Wicked.
August 6: Hosted by Rich Kaminski -- Little Shop of Horrors • MJ • Operation Mincemeat • Schmigadoon! • The Outsiders • Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).
August 13: Hosted by Helen Little -- Buena Vista Social Club • Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody • Heathers: The Musical • The Book of Mormon • The Great Gatsby.
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| Peter Gould, co-founder and producer of the iconic History of Rock 'n' Roll with the late, legendary Wink Martindale announced that Jeff Weber Media will now handle its radio syndication and advertising sales.
Gould said, "The History of Rock 'n' Roll remains one of the most comprehensive celebrations of popular music ever produced for radio. It was an honor to work alongside Wink Martindale and Gary Theroux in bringing these stories to life." He added, "I've known Jeff Weber's reputation in the radio industry for many years, so having him represent The History of Rock 'n' Roll is especially gratifying. His expertise in network radio and syndication along with his passion for great programming make him the ideal partner. I am excited to work with Jeff and Jeff Weber Media as we bring The History of Rock 'n' Roll to broadcasters who appreciate timeless music, compelling storytelling, and first-class production."
Weber stated, "I'm excited to be working with Pete and this outstanding radio program. We look forward to growing the affiliate base and providing listeners with the music they grew up with and the stories behind those songs. From the evolution of the Beatles and Motown's finest, to the most requested songs of the '70s and female singers of the '80s, The History of Rock 'n' Roll is filled with great musical memories."
The two-hour show is available on a barter basis. Interested stations can reach Jeff Weber at Jeff@JeffWeberMedia.com or 561-232-6555.
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| Beasley Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK/Philadelphia proudly raised more than $138,900 during its 20th Annual Veterans Radiothon, held on Friday, June 12, in support of the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) in Philadelphia.
This year's milestone event also marked the return of the Radiothon's founder, recently retired WMGK morning legend and Radio Hall of Fame Inductee John DeBella, who launched the initiative in 2007.
The day-long fundraiser featured MGK personalities Paul Kelly, Tony Harris, and Kristen Herrmann, along with volunteers staffing a dedicated phone bank to accept donations. Listeners also contributed through online and Venmo platforms.
"We are incredibly grateful to our listeners, clients, volunteers, and the entire MGK team for helping make this year's Veterans Radiothon such a tremendous success," said Paul Blake, VP/Market Manager of Beasley Philadelphia. "For 20 years, this event has demonstrated the extraordinary generosity of the Philadelphia community and its commitment to supporting the men and women who have served our country. We are especially honored to have welcomed John DeBella back for this milestone anniversary."
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